The 2021 college football season will begin on Tuesday, November 9, with three games around the country, including the MAC rivalry at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here’s our best bet for Akron Zips vs. Western Michigan Broncos from Week 11 of the 2021 season.
Akron Zips vs Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds & Line Movement
The Broncos are huge 25.5-point home favorites with a total of 61.5 points, according to SportsBetting.ag Sportsbook. Western Michigan beat Akron 58-13 as a 20.5-point road underdog last season, extending its winning streak against the Zips to four in five games.
Notes On The Akron Zips
The Akron Zips (2-7 overall, 4-5 ATS) suffered a 31-25 home defeat to the Ball State Cardinals on Tuesday. They were nearly able to overcome an 18-point deficit before finally failing to upset the odds as massive 18-point home underdogs.
The Zips dropped to 1-4 in conference play after losing their third game of the season, this time against Louisville. They outgained Louisville by total yards (458-425), but couldn’t handle their running game, giving up 5.7 yards per carry. QB Zach Gibson threw for 331 yards and a pair of scores, while running back Jonzell Norrils had 17 rushes for 88 yards and a score.
The Akron Zips have struggled to move the ball all season long. They score 20.4 points per game (116th in the country) on 349.7 total yards (102nd), and their offensive line has given up 48 sacks thus far, more than any other team in the nation.On offense, the Zips give up 38.0 points per game (126th) on 446.4 total yards (114th).
Notes On The Western Michigan Broncos
The Western Michigan Broncos have won four of their first five games, but they’ve only won one game in the last four games. The Broncos lost 42-30 to the Central Michigan Chippewas this week. They were nine points favorites at home.
The Broncos performed poorly in Week 10 and dropped to 2-3 in the conference. They gave up two punt-return touchdowns while committing three turnovers. Kaleb Eleby completed 22 of 36 passes for 276 yards, a score, and a pick in the win over UCLA on Saturday. On the season, he has 2,253 yards passing with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions.
On average, WMU defense is allowing 37.8 points per game (59th in the country) on 365.1 yards (57th). The Broncos’ defense has been a problem all season long, giving up 28.9 points per game (tied-85th) on just 328.3 total yards (24th).
Pick & Prediction: Western Michigan Broncos -25.5
Despite a wide range, I have to bet on the favorites in order to win. Akron is one of the worst defensive teams in the country, and it will face off against the Broncos’ potent attack. With its postseason hopes hanging in the balance, Western Michigan is expected to come out swinging and demolish the Zips emphatically.
The Broncos have been really good lately when they are the favorite by 20 points or more. Akron is a team that Denver has beaten in 4 times and they played them 5 years ago.
The over has hit in four of the last six games between Akron and Western Michigan. Last year, they combined for 71 points in total. The under has been good for 5 times out of 7 games that Akron played, but the over has been good 3 times out of 4 times that Western Michigan played. And for 9 out of 11 times.
